Editing SOUTHERN CHAPTERS

=="SHADOW TO SPITE SUN" | Book 1== 
In this story arc we meet the main characters of the Midnight Chronicles of the Southern region.



===chapter # '''7''':1===
*  ''' " ??? " ''',  March 9, 2007. 
** ''RECAP:''  <br> ???



===chapter # '''6''':1===
*  ''' "JOURNEY" ''',  February 24, 2007. 
** ''RECAP:''  <br> Today began the journey of our heroes.  They packed themselves and the mule Thorton aquired from Festrun, preparing to enter the world of the resistance.  Their self appointed mission - deliver the miracle hatchling (dragon) to their elven friend [http://wiki.rpg.net/index.php/ERANON#Friends Valendil].  The hope is Valendil will aid them in ferrying the creature of legend into hands of hope.  Utilizing the equipment supplied from Shadowwall, the troupe locks the ancient [[Midnight Power Nexux|Nexus]] but not before Kyaud casts "continual light" on the hearth.  <br> Moving into the wood, in fear of contact with the bear/crow beasts or the Chymera of old the team push on for a full day of hard travel.  They move north, planning a 2-3 day journey before rounding west toward the elven wood.  This takes them well outside the line of '''[[Cambrial]]''', City of the Dead and it's military outpost '''[[Staging]]'''.  But to do so they must cross-country and make their was over no less than two of the travel roads built for mass movement of Shadow troupe.  Before nightfall they come to the first.  The road is open, treeless on either side for 20-30 yards making anyone on the road targets of other travellers for several miles.  Eranon's elf eyes spy an Orc troupe having just passed continuing some 1-2 miles south.  Following the Shadow troupe and within ear/nose-shot of the heroes crossing point are a band of goblins (Sniffers mostly) that seem to be clearing the road of Boro, Horse, Worg and Orc dung.  Durgaz takes lead and rushes north to double back on the goblins, unfortunately the wind gives his movement away and the Sniffers spot him.  Reverting back to his Shadow-mind the huge Orc demands their reverance, for he was there to inspect their progress!  As Durgaz shows his finely tuned art of Diplomacy the team make their way un-molested some distance down the strip.  By the time Durgaz retreats to rejoin the group he has the Sniffer's Commander '''[[Fork the Goblin|Fork]]''' taking his gang on a fools erand up the track.  <br> Passing this treacherous task the group grows weary -  Durgaz, perhaps more frustrated with the weak humans, reluctantly agrees to make camp.  The ground has grown soft, wet and is fusing into the Marsh land known to permeate the wooded area of their destination...  The '''[[Dead Marshes]]'''.  The heroes note that no insect or vermin seem to be present anylonger, making the journey much more comfortable.  <br>  They would continue but not unmolested...  Kyuad had asked that his friend and arian companion [Neese] aid Durgaz in his scouting duty.  She flew high and far swinging back in for the Orc now and again.  But then Kyuad felt something wrong.  He fell to his knees, his heart beating and his breathing increased.  The others would ask him what was wrong but not before the flashes of horror urged from the emotional touch Kyuad shared with his familiar.  And then through the cloud cover the bird plummetted down on the unsuspecting party.  The horror was quick to follow - Without thought Eranon let loose with arrows, piercing the dead leather wings of a beast much like the wrymling they walked with... But it was not dragon - this beast was known in this area.  A beast called Wyvern, an undead pet of the Priest of Shadow's minions.  For his friend to survive Kyuad must concentrate and act fast...  "Unseen Hand" he uttered in the old words and with a spectral yank Neese would be saved as the dim beast tumbled toward the team.  Dodging the hulk the heroes felt the impact of the crater.  As they approached they saw only the twitch of undead wings.  Kyuad was the first to the crater-lip but out of nowhere Durgaz dove into action - ripping the dying beast's head from it's body in one hateful swing.  Standing in it's chest cavity, he and Kyuad surveyed the beast wondering why it would have attacked the lone bird...  As the others rallied the mule and their supplies Durgaz would find an answer - an odd eye literally within the belly of the beast.  Twisting and turning it stared at the heroes and then Durgaz "the seer" felt his soul rip from his body.  Unknowing where their Orc companion had gone the others inspect the dread eye.  Afraid to squash it for worry it would be dire to Durgaz, Kyuad ripped it from the gizzards ready to place in a box.  But when his fingers gripped the ball, the next thing he would remember is pulling his dagger from Eranon's gut!  With the tentacled eye captured the team began to pull themselves from the husk crater... Welcomed by a voice both elven and otherworldly.  Looking much like a Jungle Elf the black eyed gaunt warrior questioned the heroes.  His confusing tones soon waking the mezmerized Orc.  Upon waking Durgaz snatched the eye from the box squishing it to puss!  <br> The strange Elf would prove to be the first of what they assumed will be many to the crater site.  Apparently a passerby on his way to [[Midnight Alvadara|Alvedara]] in envoy for the Witch Queen!  Speaking in riddles the Elf, [[Midnight Ivilose|Ivilose]], happily watched as Eranon repacked the mule while Kyuad and Durgaz retrieved bits from the beast carcass.  The most strange of his utterings positioned Durgaz as "the one" and Kyuad as carrying "the word".  Saying goodbye to the Elf the team made way quickly to avoid any continued scout parties. <br> Near nightfall - Eranon, tired from masking the team's trail for a solid 10 hours askes that Durgaz find a dry and defensable campsite for the night.  He does.  What soon comes to be dubbed '''[[Satan's Rock]]''' is a perfect spot, a huge flat rock standing out of the marsh - a sunning spot for the crocadiles that make up the bulk wildlife of in area.  With a touch further inspection the group clearly see this rock isn't a natural formation.  Seemingly carved by goblins, it is a crude representation of the Shadow In The North.  An un-holy symbol of the skull of the Dark God.  Two spires some 10-12' tall stand for the sharp eyes of the skull and a "fire-pit" rests in the center.  Thorton spurs the thought and soon the group realizes that this must be some ancient unholy spot for ritual, worship, orgy, and evil - funnelling that energy toward the '''[[Obsidian Spire]]''' in the Dead Marshes.  Seeing that it was in disrepair and likely not used in some years the group is content to stay for the night/moment dry...  They talk about the events of the last week.  The events that seem to compell their grouping.  Durgaz and Kyuad make connections from visions of the Orc and the [[lorebook]] of Kyuad regarding a man called '''[[Vrolk]]''', '''[[Cambrial]]''', '''[[the Obsidian Spire]]''', the '''[[Dead Marshes]]''', and more.  As the others listen Thorton begins to see the resemblance of one of the spires of the eye of the rock to a mountain... a mountain of fire... a "Fire Peak".  This combined with the other eye-spire looking much like the Obsidian Spire from Durgaz's visions chill the group and they realize that the normal temperature has dropped some 30 degrees since sundown!  Thorton hears it first... A voice whisper...  <br> <br> '''''Sun-Eater, Dark Father, Scourge of witches, The Judge, Master of all, Devourer of kingdoms, The Winter Hermit, Dread Emperor, Father of Curses, Doom of the World, Fell-Master, Sovereign of Demons, Worship and have peace... <br> Source of All Pain, The Great Hunger, Lightbane, Ruin of Trees, Water's Taint, Soulblight, Ever-gloom, Master of All, Father in Darkness, Believe and sleep... <br>  Devouver of Souls, Guardian of Secrets, Night Everlasting, The Devourer of Hope, Worship and live.... <br> The End of Hope, End of Dawn, Father of Murder...'''''<br><br>  The voices continued, as if taunting.  Thorton made jest at the night noises and he would be the first to feel it.  The Erenlanders fingers grew black and began to loose feeling...  Frostbight was setting in, the others, while cold, had no such effect.  Fearing that their new friend would die of the cold Durgaz threw him on shoulder and made way north, an hour off the site Thorton would survive the night.  The others planned to sleep, with warmth of the dragon and rejoin them in the morning following and cleaning Durgaz path.  <br>  On their way again all but Durgaz felt the remaining touch of this dark place, tainted by the very evil in the air. <br> They would make a good day of travel this day.  As the swamp grew denser they knew the Dead Marsh loomed... It was an Elf they sought and before nightfall it was an Elf they would find.  From afar she appeared to be of the ferral Jungle Elf, her wirey hair silhouetted by the sun.  She brushed her horse, but was it a horse?  It clearly displayed a sharp horn jutting from it's forehead...  Eranon called out as the heroes grew closer.  The woman answered.  They sought "answers"?  She had many to give!  As the Bog Hag revealed her Splinter Steed!!



===chapter # '''5''':1===
*  ''' "HOUSEKEEPING" ''',  February 16, 2007. 
** ''RECAP:''  <br> The Pathwalkers settle for a breath before determining their next move, stalling for 7 full days utilizing the time and the materials provided by their stay at old man Walden's "ShadowWall".  Rummaging for ingredients to fight the Shadow, the group also took time to study the beasts left behind from the previous battles and consider tracking into the wood beyond now occupied by the strange bear-bird creatures and the legendary Chymera.  The spidery-elf amalgamation thing is disected by Kyuad with the aid of Eranon while Thorton toils away with his supplies bought in Festrun and Durgaz rarely peeks his head from the forge as his cobbled armor comes together.  Considering options the heroes agree that protection of the scaley beast (assumed to be a hatchling dragon) is of utmost importance.  The quest to find Walden will have to wait a short time as the band plan to move toward the great forests in search of Eranon's childhood friend...



===chapter # '''4''':1===
*  ''' "REFLECTION" ''',  Decmeber 16, 2006. 
** ''RECAP:''  <br> In which our heroes seek answers from one another. Knowing that they hold less danger toward one another than the shadow, but still not being able to trust one another they bicker, argue, point fingers of blame and call names.  They come to the realitization that they still must do something - the beast they've found, they believe to be a dragon. Yet a baby it is the first in millenia. But hurt and angered by the others calling him names, speaking like he's not even there - Doctor secrets off with his new friend. Eranon finds that his new companion has fled and tracks him - upon finding him the two bond promising never to reveal the reasons for running.  Meanwhile as Kyuad pours through his lorebooks, Durgaz makes use of the ShadowWall blacksmith tools and Thorton sneaks into his recent home disguised by charms found at ShadowWall. In the end Kyuad has conjured an ally, Durgaz has armor and Thorton brings travelling supplies as well as interesting intelligence from Festerun.  After 1-2 weeks planning and preparing the group readies to deal with this Dragon problem. 



===chapter # '''3''':1===
*  ''' "HAVOK" ''',  November 11, 2006. 
** ''RECAP:''  <br> In which our heroes have little luck convincing the Legate to leave finding themselves fighting for their lives after the situation goes bad. But the group is shock to foundations when they learn that Kyuad has held back something, the legate is missing when the battles end. Is he escaped, is he dead? 



===chapter # '''2''':1===
*  ''' "REFUGE" ''',  October 28, 2006. 
** ''RECAP:''  <br> In which our heroes having secured the execution area seek a place to hide. Durgaz is missing though - they realize he has ran to try and save the old man Walden.  The others move to ShadowWall where they know he will return. ShadowWall will also afford them cover being the "Place that Shadow cannot enter." When arriving something is amiss, the group quickly learns of a new little resitance to the Shadow as they meet Doctor. But seeing the approach of a shadow patrol all but Kyuad have time to hide in the attic above. Kyuad speaks with the Legate as if familiar, while the others uncover a mysterious beast in the basement. This chapter ends with the group beginning to escape as Kyuad continues talking with the Legate as they spot Durgaz rushing from the forest!



===chapter # '''1''':1===
*  ''' "EXECUTE" ''',  October 14, 2006. 
** ''RECAP:''  <br> The sun loomed over the southern land like a vulture circling rotting meat.  Our story begins amid the damp gloom of the sparsely wooded region only a few days from the Aruun Jungles of the lower Erethor.  '''Kyuad''''s face slaps against the rot of a tree stump set just below a small ridge, his head resting beside the Sarcosan war hero '''ShadowWall'''.  The Erenland sage and the elder captive had been routed off the land by a roudy Goblin scout squad.  Not more than a stride away a fellow Erenlander called '''Thorton''' felt his muscles stress as he was hoisted to his feet.  Both men clasp in iron manacles seemingly prone to the shadow's maw.  With a putrid belch the Orc called '''Radagug the Dog''' spewed commands to the young defender in a tongue barely understood by either men.  Jerking Thorton about the noose fell around his neck and quickly tightened - the Dog stepped back the full distance this man-catcher noose would allow at his goblin horde cackled with glee. <br> '''''"ROUK-DROK FRAGA KILL OOL KROGLE HU-MON!! ROUK-DROK FRAGA KILL!!  ROOG DWORF-AXE"''''' <br>  The sickly Orc blasted motioning for Thorton to catch the Dwarven Urgosh he was about to throw...  <br>  It seemed this hellish band delighted in torturing their victims by forcing one to sever the other's head!  The twisted cadre amid '''the Goblin Dogs''' bound one over the other to watch ripping and tearing skin and cloth from the neck of poor '''Kyuad'''.  The disgusting mounts best described as rat-things seemed to be coralling their goblin masters as the mob grew with anticipation.  While the other mounts, two malnutritioned wolves and '''Radagug''''s own worg, seemed bored by the entertainment. <br> <br> But the Erenlanders would not be alone this day.  Downwind spying from beyond the tree cover the spry Elf '''Eranon''' watched with the most unusual of companions - an Orc called '''Durgaz'''.  Durgaz knew this land, he had just been here less than a week ago visiting with the old Sarcosan rider hereabouts...  Only moments from seeing heads roll, one way or another, Durgaz stepped from the trees.  Durgaz also knew this Orc, the Dog was his elder brother!! <br> <br>  It hadn't been long that Durgaz had broken from his tribe.  If Orc family names could be descraced this would have surely done so, but as one brother turned from the Shadow to have the light wash over his face the other stepped into his footfalls hoping to prove that even thoguh he had been the runt of their family, he would not be the black sheep.  The challenge was issued and Radagug accepted as only a slimy Orc would, he barked orders to the Goblin Dogs to KILL THE TRAITOR - so much for honor!  Meanwhile beyond in the trees Erenon showered arrows down on the rat-things as both Thorton and Kyuad looked to free themselves while the distraction was made.  The men did not know these fey coming to their aid, but they needed no invitation to escape.  Several theatres of combat opened as most of the Goblin Dogs, numbering some 20+, threw themselves at the Orc Hero as he again belowed to challenge his brother.  Rat-things encroached on the elf, surprising him as they climbed the tree - they began to speak!!  The mounts these goblins road could only be the twisted form of Dire Rats, and they seemed to be craving the sweet meats of elf flesh regardless of the Dire Beast truce with '''the Witch Queen'''.  The battles would end as Durgaz sliced his elder brother nearly in half.  But rather than run, the orc commander's goblin horde and their animals crowded around Durgaz as if mezmerized...  And from where Radagug's corspe fell a monster arose cradling a child amid his entrails that buldged from his wound!  <br> <br>  But this would not be...  As Durgaz's eyes blurred, coming back to focus on a dead child at his feet!  This battle was not a battle at all!  These visions had flooded the Orc turncoat's mind for monthes before he finally took action to emerge from shadow.  And it would be the pool of viscus in the cavity of the little dead girl's chest that would take him into tomorrow's events...  Sniffing the air and hearing the crackle of twigs he slowly remembered his place.  It was the dawn, '''the fading hour''', the time when the shadow is weakest for a full half hour '''Aryth''' could rest.  And as the morning fog faded from the Orc's mind he remembered...  The elf, Erenon, he is in grave danger!!  <br> <br>  MEANWHILE... <br> A day's journey away two Erenlanders found their prize.  '''Thorton''' had led '''Kyuad''' to this place, he knew the grove the children called "Shadow Wall".  It was a place they were warned against going, a place where shadow could not go.  But it was also a place feared by those in the hamlet of '''Festrun'''.  The grove of elven trees was only 10-12 miles from Festrun, but no one ventured there in fear that shadow patrols would learn they had gone in.  Thorton had just made his home in Festrun in recent years, so while he knew of the bedtime warnings he had no fear they were real - and less than 30 yards they stood from the center of the Shadow Wall.  As Thorton pointed the way for Kyuad a voice echoed from within.  It was a strong voice, but hollowed with age.  <br> '''"Come now SIRE, you and those opposed to the enemy in the north may enter.  And you Master Kyuad step forth and be FOUND.  You are both welcome in my home.  The shadow cannot enter in this place."''' <br> And as the door krept open the two young rebels made their way.  Across the cottage filled with objects of beauty and danger sat  '''Walden Mikhail''', once called '''SIR MIKHAIL FRIEND TO ARADRIL, A WALL TO SHADOW''' (aka. '''Shadow Wall''').  Kyuad sought out this man who would have a gift for him, an item found long ago and destined for Kyuad's hand...  It was '''Caffel''' who directed Kyuad to the Shadow Wall and it would seem her abilities proved correct.  <br>  Now blind, Walden explained to the two men his tale of woe.  How the enemy had torn out his eyes at the fall of the last great war 99 years before.  How his new battle would be to seclude himself to wait for Aradril's rally call.  He told them of the fall of the battle and of his lost love, who broke her promise to Aradril and didnot join the battle so long ago - breaking the back of the resistance.  He spoke of his gift to see the paths, the souls of men and fey - he saw these two were emerging from the dark.  This is Aradril's call.  And as the men talked over whipser-leaf tea Walden would raise his head to see beyond the walls of the Shadow Wall cottage...  The enemy approached.  They could not enter here, but the shadow has ways to extract their prey and with the wood around them burning smoke drove the rebels into the maw of Shadow and the shackles that would take them to '''Gallow Valley''' where Thorton would be given the choice as prophecied in a vision the day prior...  <br> <br> As '''Erenon''' took aim at this morning's meal, the buck deer rushed beneath him.  The tree the elf had taken cover in was strong but not strong enough to quake from the large stag's rut  as it felt the pain of arrows rushing into it's tough hide.  Racing to help his new ally Durgaz saw the elf fall, landing just on the otherside of the deer.  And as he ran Durgaz yelled <br> "CARRION STAG!! ELF EATING DEER!!  GET CLEAR!!"  <br>  Smashing the orc vardatch into the hind quarter of the huge buck, the hammering cut did little but to enrage the fanged deer!  When it finally fell no less than 6 arrows and 4 hacking rips scarred the Carrion Stag but it didnot fall alone.  Durgaz found that he could barely hold his footing with the stag's antler rack still driven through his armor, protruding from his lower back!  That would not deter the orc though.  The carcass lay behind them as he argued the explanation to Eranon why they <br> '''"MUST GO NOW"'''... <br>  Durgaz's vision was distined to happen less than 24 hours away, and if they could not get there three lights amid the darkness would be doused -  '''Kyuad''', '''Walden''' and '''Thorton''' would DIE!! <br> <br>  The two unlikely allies pushed themselves to the limits rushing to the clearing nearby Walden's cottage.  Gallow's Valley took it's nickname from the locals who would gather to watch the enemy punish lawbreakers.  It was a minor entertainment recently created by entrepreneurs of the hamlet of Festrun that would draw several from the larger cities nearby.  Today three men would be put in the gallow of their own torture.  And a small audience of locals watched from the clifface above as the orc called '''Radagug the Dog''' barked his order for Thorton to chop the necks of his fellow lawbreakers! <br> '''''"ROUK-DROK FRAGA KILL OOL KROGLE HU-MON!! ROUK-DROK FRAGA KILL!!  ROOG DWORF-AXE"''''' <br>  <br>  But yesterday's vision would not play in exactly the same manner.  Durgaz's vision pushed him to arrive at the site of the gallows some three hours prior to '''Radagug''''s entourage would arrive!  Still wounded from the Carrion Stag earlier that morning the orc and elf set their trap.  And it would be sprung!  But not fully as intended.  While Durgaz's vision seemed to exagerate Radagug's number of '''Goblin Dog''' forces, he also over estimated his brother's intimidation factor.  Radagug would NOT rush to one-on-one battle quite so quickly as he did in the dream...  Eranon from the trees let loose the log trap, that would swing decimating nearly half the Goblin Dogs!  <br>  The goblin captain and keymaster '''Forc''' would also prove to take a different path, as the other goblins rallied around Radagug to battle Forc slobbered over the men on the tree stump, for he knew the secondary forces that Radagug had in tow.  When the battle began to fail the elder orc brother he barked another order and from beyond the few rat-thing mounts the hyena-like wolves that made up the second half of the mounts his Goblin Dogs road shed their saddles and stood up fully errect!!  Unsure if the rat-things were the Dire Rats of Durgaz's vision, Erenon KNEW these beasts - they were a more savagely bred version of the humanoid shadow agents called Gnolls.  These Gnolls had mascaraded as wolfling mounts - THIS is the true reason Radagug would be called "the Dog"!  <br>  <br>  As the battle wore on the turning point would be Kyuad and Walden's escape, pinning Radagug to the Gallow Stump with daggers hidden by Eranon the heroes turned the tide against the Goblin mass as Durgaz chopped his way toward his brother.  Walden's age betrayed him and all saw him fall to the horde as Radagug sounded the retreat!  By the end of the day Eranon stood above a fallen Gnoll nursing a malnorished wolf mount saved from the Goblin retreat,  Kyuad used his arcane abilities to free himself and nearly fell Radagug,  Thorton had his chance to severe the head of the elder orc but almost as if by fate was unable to wield the Dwarven Urgosh in his defender hands,  and  Drugaz disappeared over the ridge rushing on the trail of Radagug's Dogs as they fled to the NorthWest.  <br> <br>  Taking control of the clearing the three heroes saw their audience had long since disappeared, and concerned for the Orc hero and their own safety chose to make their way back to the smoke filled cottage of Shadow Wall.  This would be their place of rest for the nightfall.  <br>  Hopefully it would be a safe haven for a short time until Durgaz returned from his hunt.  And if hope be with him he would return with Walden, the Shadow Wall himself... <br> <br>  But that's another tale to be told...




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[[Midnight: North & South Portal]]
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 =="SHADOW TO SPITE SUN" | Book 1==
 In this story arc we meet the main characters of the Midnight Chronicles of the Southern region.
-===chapter # '''9''':1===
-*  '''"THE SPIRE part I" ''',  March 24, 2007.
-** ''RECAP:''  <br> .
-===chapter # '''8''':1===
-*  ''' "FOUL FRIEND" ''',  March 17, 2007.
-** ''RECAP:''  <br> Paranoid of the Sarcosan that had recently joined the heroes - Durgaz, Eranon and Kyuad watched as the silver-tongued man examined the floor of the swamp beneath the spot where the Splinter-Steed of the Bog-Hag had fell.  This fragile crystaline surface seemed to eminate the indications that it was a natrually occuring zordin corinth!  Kyuad, searched through his lorebooks but found nothing of the kind - this natural phenominon was quite unnatural indeed...  <br>  Many mysteries surround this area of the Dead Marshes.  The Elven Trail Sign Eranon had found that morning was the calling card of his good friend Valendil, but it proved to be unusual, like the mirror, Kyuad searched his knowledge base for details.  Gathering clues and information he determined that the site was the zero point of a ritual of demons, known only as the "Dance of Ruin".  <br> Much was learned from the Dire Serpents on this day...  The inquisitive green boa-constictor about these and other events. Tracks and trails of those passing through the swamps, but it would hold at the last moment tempting our heroes with knowledge known for a price - kill the great cobra and they would know all!  Meanwhile Kyuad continued his learnings from other serpents... They would tell him about the scene of this ritual.  Three demons entered nearly two weeks ago, one morphed from shadow into a buzzard-like beast, then into the form described as Valendil - Eranon's old friend!  <br>  As the group discussed their options and direction they concluded that they must move soon.  The mirror would need to be destroyed and the Dire Reptilians moved.  It was on the evening wind that brought sound of the horns of marching orc south of their camp.  This camp held several unusual factions:  a large contingent of the Feykiller's units, a smaller group of Legate and Orc of the Priest in Shadow, and a mercenary band known to be led by Krell of Sharuun (contact of Zal'Kazzir).  When the army began moving Kyuad's friend and companion, Nesse saw a most dangerous twist - as a grey speckled horse seemed to sense the magic cast in the air by our hero's new Sarcosan companion!  <br>  Soon the horse would turn his master around and lead the orc army into the swampy camp, but not before rushing there to find it's way to the spellcaster itself...  As our hero's plan swings into action they rush from the scene as Durgaz throws his body into the path of the horse bent on running down Zal'Kazzir, crude armored spikes skewer the beast and with a great shove Durgaz becomes a Mirror-Breaker!!  Protected by magics placed on him by Kyuad, Durgaz watches intently as energy sweeps around him.  Zal'Kazzir dives into the hollow of a tree, for cover as well as to rescue his pet familiar now being held by the green boa (Snakerates)...  Rolling into the caverns beneath the great tree Zal'Kazzir comes face to face with the massive Dire Serpents squaring off in final battle for domination of the Dire Reptiles - one look and Snakerates hisses...  '''''"TRAAAAITOR..."'''''  as the ground above shakes and fuses with the energy unleashed!
 ===chapter # '''7''':1===
-*  ''' "SWAMPED" ''',  March 9, 2007.
+*  ''' " ??? " ''',  March 9, 2007.
-** ''RECAP:''  <br> In the clearing ahead the wirey haired elf-thing swept under her steed's neck, stroking her twisted pet.  Taunting and calling our heroes in they got a good look at her emaciated figure.  This was a bog hag, perhaps one of the sisters of legend to have been twisted from elves so long ago in the Foul Bogs of Eris Aman.  To the rear Eranon was the first to spook, Durgaz and Thorton began seeing movement to the right and left.  Soon the entire party would be hit with the ambush lying in the muck - Bog Orcs that seemed to be subverted to the swamp's demand for which the hag claimed to control.  As Durgaz rushed the creature his challenge was met as the twisted Splinter Steed erupted on the orc with hoof and horn, breaking a large shard off in his wound!  The others took action, Thorton fending off orc, Kyuad bringing his defenses up, and Eranon moving for a shot on the one in control.  She would retreat to the forest tree cover as vines began engulfing both bog orc and hero alike.  It seemed our Elf and the Hag had similar ideas - the jungle swamp entangled the area, even the great steed and their dragon friend were tied. <br> But perhaps the old hag wanted more than just a meal, delighting in a fresh hansome elf she began to court Eranon... As his friends fell the tongue of the hag probed the elf's mouth beginning the twist that would hope to eventually make he like her!  <br>  When their eyes opened their heads we half submerged in the muck of swamp water.  The hag was talking with something and backing into her captive's clearing.  Before she knew it Durgaz (now under dillusions from the Splinter Steed's shard still embedded in his hide) crushed the tortured elf's head under his boot!  Looking up our heroes saw the deal the hag was trying to make... For a portion of their swamp she would offer these DIRE Reptillians the tastey delights of man flesh.  Soon our heroes would understand their most dire situation,  these beasts while not as noble as the Wolves or Bears of the great Dire Pact did have some measure of nobility.  <br> Soon our heroes would be introduced to another human.  As their friend Thorton fell to the orc, another would join them as Zal'Kazzir a Sarcosan haggler aiding in striking a bargain.  For safe passage and protection through their portion of the Dead Marsh our heroes would form a pact with the Dire Reptiles.  The Dire Alligators would take them to the edges of the jungle/forests, but in return before the last of the pact expires they would be asked to bring 4 and 20 fat horses to settle the score. <br> This newfound protection was a boon to the party as they rested and planned their upcoming journey.  Durgaz required surgery - 10 shards of the Splinter Steed remained in his wounds causing paranoia and sleepless days... Kyuad came to his aid and after two gruelling days of surgery Durgaz found his way back to the sane.  <br> The Reptillians watched as the newly written pact was carved into the Elf's back, with blood from each pact signer!  The long lived Elf would remain as the living document to their agreement!  <br> Meanwhile, the Dire Serpents took their chances making secret deals with the heroes in their quests for "words of power".  It seemed when our heroes hit the trail again they would have a guide into the Obsidian Spire and a map to the City of Dead - and a young Dire Cobra will become the apprentice...
+** ''RECAP:''  <br> ???